After filing his nomination for the July 17 election, Kovind told the media here: “The President’s post carries a lot of dignity. And I promise I will always uphold the dignity of this office.”

He added: “The Constitution is supreme and it is our duty to maintain its supremacy.”

Kovind filed three set of nomination papers. BJP leaders said another set will be filed on June 28, the last date for filing nominations in the election which will see the former Bihar Governor take on opposition candidate and former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar.

Kovind, the former Governor of Bihar, is estimated to get 62 per cent of the votes in the Electoral College as he has the support of non-NDA constituents such as the AIADMK, TRS, BJD and JD(U).

At the time of Kovind’s nomination, Modi said “I am sure Shri Ram Nath Kovind will make an exceptional President & continue to be a strong voice for the poor, downtrodden & marginalised.”

The presidential election will see a contest between two Dalit leaders for the first time as the Opposition has nominated former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar as its candidate. Kumar, who has also been a cabinet minister in the UPA dispensation, is backed by the Congress, Left parties, RJD, SP, BSP and the TMC.

Tripura CM Manik Sarkar casted his vote at a polling booth in Agartala, he is an MLA from Dhanpur constituency.

Voting for the Assembly elections in India’s northeastern state of Tripura began on Sunday morning amidst tight security, official said.

“Men and women in large numbers queued up in front of many polling stations well before polling opened at 7 a.m. in the entire state. Polling ends at 4 p.m.,” said Sriram Taranikanti, the Chief Electoral Officer.

In all, 2,536,589 people, including 1,250,128 women and 47,803 first-time voters are eligible to exercise their franchise to decide the fate of 292 candidates, including 23 women and many independents.

“Apprehending troubles by some tribal outfit, a record 50,000 para-military and other state security personnel have been deployed while two air surveillance team led by senior officials are conducting surveillance by helicopters,” the election official.

WASHINGTON — Russia and other adversaries will continue to engage in cyber warfare to “degrade our democratic values and weaken our alliances,” the nation’s top intelligence official said Tuesday.

“Frankly, the United States is under attack,” Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats told the Senate Intelligence Committee, adding that every facet of society is being targeted with cyber intrusions.

In strong language, Coats said Russia President Vladimir Putin has been emboldened by Russia’s successful interference in the 2016 elections and is targeting the 2018 election cycle.

“There should be no doubt that (Putin) views the past effort as successful,” Coats said.

The national intelligence director’s comments come against the backdrop of continuing congressional and criminal investigations into Russia’s interference in the 2016 election and whether the Kremlin coordinated their activities with President Trump’s campaign.